Over the past weeks, Onah and I have been talking about starting a new category. We wanted a section unlike fashion, architecture, and interior design. A section dedicated to personal stories that bring us closer to you than my usual how-to’s and fashion throwbacks. Here, we’ll talk about career, lifestyle, health, and happiness (more life outside the design studio). I am so excited to share the first post of “life”- life tips from successful women that have really stuck with me.

As a lover of Fashion History, it’s in my blood to be inspired by designers of the past as well as the present. Earlier, I’ve written about a groundbreaking designer, Rei Kawabuko. This week is a tribute to one of the fairy godmothers of fashion Coco Chanel. Gabrielle Chanel was truly a timeless woman. What she stood for a century ago remains relevant today! As I always say, fashion is not just about clothes. It is expression, art, ideals, and philosophy. It shapes not just our bodies, but how we interact with the world. Here are four keys to live by that every creative lady can learn from Coco Chanel. Continue reading →

I want to introduce another contributor to my readers. Her name is June Hwang and she is a recent graduate from University of Toronto Architecture School. She had already written a great piece, Can Architecture become more approachable to bigger public? on the Studio Jonah company website. Over the dinner conversation, I casually asked what her architecture school experience has been for her, and her responses surprised me (seasoned architect, aka old person). It was not the usual “sleepless all nighters”, “designing portfolio for her jobs”, or what the” latest technical softwares/apps” I should know, rather her philosophical take on the life lessons she received from the architecture education. Here are her TOP 3 lessons she shared with me. I was blown away by her thoughtful and wise outlook on life. Here is her story.